Neck and spine pain is the most common type of upper back pain and can result from an injury or a condition like arthritis. Arthritis typically causes swelling and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and back joints. Lakewood Ranch neck & spine pain can also occur when the affected muscles are overused or underused.
It is vital to consult a physician before starting physical therapy if you have arthritis in these areas. A specialist can help determine the type of therapy best for your specific case and provide treatment recommendations based on your individual needs. These treatments may include:
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a vital part of the neck and spine pain treatment plan. The treatment uses exercise and manual therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Physical therapists can help with many neck and spinal pain types, including headaches, back pain, and neck pain.
Physical therapists can diagnose injuries and illnesses. They will work with you to determine your condition’s best course of action and develop a personalized program that meets your specific needs. They will also teach you how to maintain the program on your own once you are discharged from treatment.
Spinal manipulation
Spinal manipulation is also called chiropractic care. It involves using careful pressure to adjust the alignment of your spine. The goal is to reduce pain and tension in your spine’s muscles. A physical therapist can perform this procedure, but it can also be performed by a chiropractor or osteopath (osteopathic physician).
Medications
If you have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to move your neck properly, taking a prescription drug such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) may help decrease pain and inflammation in your body.
Medications for the treatment of neck and spine pain include:
- Painkillers: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are commonly used for acute pain.
- Antidepressants: antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can be prescribed to treat depression or anxiety associated with back pain.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help relieve symptoms of chronic pain.
Surgery
If conservative measures fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be a good option for some patients with neck or spine problems that do not respond well to other treatments. In most cases, it is necessary to have a specialist perform surgery on the spine because they have more experience in performing this procedure than other doctors or surgeons.
Heat therapy
Heat therapy involves applying heat directly to the painful area(s) through hot compresses or warm towels. Heat can relieve inflammation and reduce swelling around an inflamed joint or muscle tissue, reducing stiffness and discomfort. Heat may also help relax specific muscles involved with a neck sprain.
The treatment options for neck and spine pain depend on the severity of the injury. If you have chronic neck pain or are experiencing sudden symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain in your spine, or weakness that worsen when you bend over, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible. In most cases, the doctor will examine your neck, back, and shoulders to determine how to treat your symptoms. Contact 360 Orthopedics and book an appointment with a specialist to learn more about neck and spine pain.
